I don’t know what it is about January, but no matter how much work I have (which in this case this year, wasn’t too much), I feel burnt out. And because I was feeling that way, I decided that it would be a great time to head out of the city and check into a countryside hotel. So when I found the Down Hall Hotel & Spa which was only about 45 minutes away from London, I was eager to go! Because let’s face it, there’s isn’t much better than a little spa break to help you feel motivated and ready to take on the world.
The Down Hall Hotel & Spa was the perfect place to call home for one night. It was easy to get to, the staff was wonderful, the food was great, and the atmosphere exactly what I needed. It’s a romantic little English manor (actually, I lied, it’s not little at all), perfect for a couples getaway from London. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book yourself into a spa break at Down Hall Hotel & Spa.
Checking Into Down Hall Hotel & Spa
Getting There
Getting to Down Hall Hotel & Spa is fairly simple. And while you can rent a car and drive, we chose to take the train. We took the Victoria Line to Tottenham Hale. From there, we hopped on a train to Sawbridgeworth. When we arrived at the station we were able to call an Uber. The tube cost the standard fare (2.60 pound), the train was about 22 pounds round trip, and the Uber was about 8.75 pounds. On the way home, we had to call a taxi to get to the train station and that was 10 pounds. You can also grab the train from Liverpool Street Station or Stratford if that is easier for you! Down Hall Hotel & Spa is about the same distance to Sawbridgeworth Station and Bishops Stortford.
Upon Arrival
When you arrive to the Down Hall Hotel & Spa, you’ll find yourself driving up a very long driveway. And when you get out of the car, you’ll head into the reception area. We were greeted by the staff who helped us check in. And because we knew we were going to be arriving early, we arranged early check in ahead of time. Our room was ready to go and we headed up the grand staircase to our floor.
The Rooms at Down Hall Hotel & Spa
We were booked into a main house feature room. Outside of our room was a beautiful lounge area for all guests to use. But the inside was even more beautiful. It was very large, featured a king sized bed, comfortable couch, armchair, desk area, and vanity. There were two closets and several drawers for you to unpack your things. The ceilings were lined with ornate crown molding and you could tell you were in a beautiful manor. But, perhaps the best part were the large windows that gave us a view of the stunning courtyard. They let in amazing amounts of natural light and were accompanied by black out curtains so you could sleep in. The bathroom featured a rainfall shower head and really nice toiletries.
Off To Eden Spa For The Afternoon
The highlight of our trip (I went with my boyfriend) was our time at the Wet Spa at Eden Spa. The spa and the hotel are separate, but they’re right next to each other. We were booked in for a two hour wet spa experience. I have to say that it was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the services. We spent our time going in and out of the hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Then we headed into the relaxation room for a lie down and a cup of tea! I think we both left feeling incredibly relaxed, I was wiped out afterwards and enjoyed a nap when I returned to my room!
I didn’t choose to book into a treatment, but there is an extensive list of what you can set up if you want. Choose from massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more.
The Food At Down Hall Hotel & Spa
I enjoyed three meals during my stay here. Upon arrival I was famished so we headed into the bar for a bite to eat. I ordered myself a coronation chicken sandwich and my boyfriend got a latte since he ate before we left. My sandwich was so satisfying. It was massive and kept me full until dinner time.
For dinner I enjoyed the carrot soup followed by the sirloin steak. My boyfriend ordered the Venison shoulder followed by the Sea Bass. We split the chocolate brownie with peanut butter ice cream for dessert. And yes, you’re probably wondering what was the highlight of the meal… it was definitely the peanut butter ice cream!
The following morning we enjoyed breakfast. It was a buffet style and had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns, fruit, and more. There was a selection of breads as well as yoghurts and granola. And if you felt you wanted more, you could order from the menu.
The Grounds
If you’re as lucky as we were and you find yourself booked into Down Hall Hotel & Spa when the weather is nice, you must go for a stroll around the grounds. There are several paths that you can take. They range from easy (only a few km) to hard (a nice long walk). Your walk will take you into the woods as well as around the property. During your walk you’ll be able to see the tennis courts, gazebos, and more!
What Else Is Going On At Down Hall Hotel & Spa?
Because this hotel is so close to London, you could easily head out here for a day. In the summertime they host several concerts on the beautiful grounds. You can also get married here! It’s a really gorgeous location for that!
#TravelColorfully was a welcomed guest of the Down Hall Hotel & Spa, but as always, all opinions are my own!
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